You may have missed CSI: Hard Evidence
May 20th, 2008 |
Here’s a pretty fun game that I picked up this week. CSI: Hard Evidence puts you in the role of a CSI in the popular TV series, and it’s worth a quick play if you’re into the whole crime drama thing. At the very least, its a refreshing change of pace from the standard games out there.
This one actually came out last fall for the Xbox 360 and PC, but it got past me at least. The Wii version also surfaced this January.
A word of warning: Hard Evidence isn’t deep. The stories are very linear, although you have some choice over the order of things. The game itself is also very short.
Basically, you have five cases to solve. You’ll first arrive on the scene, usually a murder, and you’ll get to work with your trusty CSI kit, allowing you to look for and collect evidence.
By default, your partner will hold your hand through the entire process, telling you which tools to use and giving you hints if you ask. You have the option of turning the help off, though, which makes the game a little more fun.
You can’t, however, turn off the unending wit demonstrated by the other CSIs, so prepare to roll your eyes a from time to time.
Each case will take about 1.5 to 2 hours to complete if you do a good job. You could skip through it in less time, or spend more if you keep the help off and examine everything. All of the game’s achievements are earned through the main story — 200 Gamerscore per case. That’s a full 1000 just for playing through, which should take 7-10 hours.
A couple of the cases relate to each other, which is neat from a story perspective, but comes across more as a way to re-use the same crime/interview scenes rather than creating new ones. Tying stories together is interesting, but when you visit the same casino in three cases, it’s a little lame. I’m pretty sure Las Vegas has a few more casinos.
Despite this, CSI: Hard Evidence one is a fun little change of pace that’s good for some casual play or a Gamerscore boost. If you enjoy the CSI shows, all the better. Rent it or find it in a bargain bin if you’re hesitant — or pick it up at Amazon.com for under $30.
I’d like to see a CSI: Miami version.
Score: 74%
#1 Robert K.
May 29th, 2008 at 4:28 am
A CSI: Miami game would be perfect, as it is the greatest show on TV, and David Caruso is the greatest actor in the history of ever!
#2 Colin Temple
May 29th, 2008 at 11:51 am
There is a CSI: Miami game available for mobile phones, apparently.
#3 Xbox Living » Quick, easy Gamerscore without boosting
July 2nd, 2008 at 1:02 pm
[...] CSI: Hard Evidence: Depending on how quickly you play through this game, it could take 6-10 hours, maybe less. It’s a fun game, and a nice change of pace. 1000 Gamerscore is awarded just for getting through it. [...]